The Russian River was in prime shape last week before the rain. Owner of Kings Steve Jackson got out for some action with some float trips and ended up one day going 6 for 6 and another 3 for 4. Both days it was a mixture of hatchery and wild fish as well as fresh and spent fish. Most fish were caught drifting cured roe with a fish pill. Wednesday through Friday of last week brought a freshet of rain that raised the flow to 2000 cfs from 750 at Hacienda. Clarity also went from excellent to murky but the good news is it didn't rain that much and as of Sunday 2/21 the flows have rolled over and are coming down. Hydrograph predictions show Healdsburg being below 1000 cfs by Monday and continuing to drop all week. With the long term forecast calling for a period of dry weather by midweek we should be back in prime shape for fishing again. Drifting cured roe, backtrolling plugs, and casting cleos or spinners will be the ticket and for the fly fisherman larger dark patterns will be productive until we get some clarity back.